The Healing Garden: Top 12 Must Have Medicinal Herbs At Your Home Garden

You won’t believe that you actually have herbal plants just at your home in your yard or just around the neighbor hood.  Medicinal herbs are the heart of perfect health adding transformative natural changes in the garden and our life. They are not only easy growing but also beautiful and health-promoting too.

“The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul.” — Alfred Austin

“Medicinal plants heal more than the physical body. They help open our hearts, reconnect us with spirits, and guide us in developing respectful and joyful relationships with the Nature world.” – (Deb Soule)

 

INTRODUCTION

People have been using plants to treat illness and heal wounds since age-old. The practice of cultivating medicinal herbs at home garden has started more than 5000 years ago.  Recently, as many peoples are being aware of health benefits from herbal medicine without having any side-effect; they are shifting their preference of pharmaceutical drugs to medicinal herbs. 

Herb gardening have many health benefits such as dealing with anxiety & depressions, manage weight, control blood pressure and many more. Healing garden might be the unique and highly valuable garden in urban areas where masses are vulnerable to different types of illness due to different kinds of pollution and environmental degradation.

 

SCIENCE BEHIND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF HERBAL GARDEN (HEALING GARDEN)

Presence of compounds known as tannins might be the major factor behind healing properties possessed by medicinal plants. They are known to possess astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrhea, anti-oxidative and antimicrobial properties thus, also used to cure inflamed mucous membrane. Medicinal plants are found to prevent diseases without any side-effects as in synthetic treatments. Flavonoids and other phenolic compounds found in medicinal plants are proved to be boon for humankind in medical aspects.

 

MEDICINAL HERB GARDEN (HERBAL GARDEN) AND THEIR BENEFITS

  • Aromatherapy: Treatment from aroma or fragrance.
  • Relieve stress & enhance mood along with treating minor disorders.
  • Stimulate and strengthens the immune system.
  • Seasonings and flavorings in foods and beverages.
  • cancer-fighting antioxidants, valuable nutrients and fat-free flavor.
  • Alleviate digestive problems like constipation and abdominal spasms.
  • Enhance the respiratory system to treat coughs, sinusitis and tonsillitis.
  • Ease muscular pain by promoting relaxation and toning.
  • Improve circulation and lowers blood pressure.
  • Prevent stress-related disorders like insomnia, tension headaches, anxiety, depression and grief.

 

TOP 12 MEDICINAL HERBS RECOMMENDED FOR YOUR HOME GARDENS

To get you started, here are top 12 medicinal herbs which are proved to be boon if you have them at your home garden:

 

1. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)

Aloe Vera is a thick, short-stemmed plant primarily cultivated as a crop for ‘Aloe gel’ that is extracted from its leaf. This gel contains beneficial bio-active compounds including vitamins, minerals, amino-acids and antioxidants. This species could be grown indoor too in cooler climates. 

 

Aloe possesses powerful antioxidant known as polyphenols and antibacterial properties which inhibit the growth of infection-causing bacteria. It is best known for skin injuries treatment as the juice of their leaves could relieve pain from scrapes and burns too. Many studies have proved this species to be effective in healing wounds, mouth ulcers and canker sores. 

 

2. Basil 

This species has many varieties and are known by different name such as Holy Basil, Sweet Basil and Great Basil on the basis of species. This is one of the multipurpose herb belonging to lamiaceae family. The above-ground parts of the plants are used to make medicine.

Sweet basil can provide vitamins, minerals, essential oils and a range of antioxidants. Holy basic is considered as a tonic from leaves to seed. Its flower is used to cure bronchitis. Leaves and seed along with peppermint is used in treatment of malaria. Whole plant is used for treatment of diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Alcohol extract is used for stomach ulcers and eye diseases. Essential oils extracted from this species is also used to treat worm infections, and snake and insects bites. 

 

3. Mint (Mentha)

Mint has been preferred by large mass of gardeners around the globe since centuries as a herbal remedy. It has around 15-20 different species which are consumed after drying in many dishes and infusions.

Tea of mint (especially pepper mint) is used to treat gastro-intestinal problems. This species also prevents from allergies as it contain anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent called rosmarinic acid. Besides this, it soothes common cold symptoms, ease upset stomach and treat indigestion, gas and cramps. But, it is recommended not to consume mint for people with severe chronic illness as this might worsens due to several reaction with particular diseases. 

 

4. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

Rosemary is a highly fragrant, evergreen, woody, perennial herb belonging to lamiaceae family. This species is rich source of iron, calcium and vitamin B-6.  This herb has been found to be cultivated since ancient times for its medicinal benefits. This is consumed as culinary herb in dishes or in the form of tea.

This species are believed to strengthen immune system and improve blood circulation as they are rich source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. It is also used to treat indigestion and prevent brain aging. Carnosic acid found in these species promote eye health by preventing macular degeneration. The aroma from Rosemary could enhance person’s memory, concentration and mood. Besides these, it helps to lower your blood sugar and slow down the spread of human leukemia & breast carcinoma cells (cancer causing agents).

 

5. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Chamomile is a well known medicinal plant species belonging to asteraceae family. This species is often referred as “star” among medicinal species. Chamomile are highly flavored and favored medicinal plant in traditional medicines. A cup of hot chamomile tea will be the perfect way to end your stressful and tiresome day.

This species calms both the nervous system as well as digestive system. It help to treat inflammation, calm the mind and relax the spirit. If someone has the problem related to lack of sleep and relaxation this species is preferred as it promotes sleep and relaxation. This medicinal plants is also preferred for skin and hair lightening. 

 

6. Lavender (Lavandula species)

Lavender is a herbal plant belonging to mint family i.e. Lamiaceae. This is one of the species best known for aromatherapy. People usually prefer lavender cultivation for its fragrance, color and medicinal properties.

Lavender oil is used in the form of fragrance for aromatherapy or applied in massage oil. Lavender is being used to treat different ailments such as anxiety, insomnia, depression, headaches, hair loss, nausea, acne, toothache, skin irritations and cancer since many years. Due to this multiple health benefits this species is among the most recommended one for your medicinal gardens.

 

7. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm is a perennial herb from the mint family. The leaves with lemon aroma are particularly used as a medicine. Traditionally, these species used to be cultivated to improve mood and cognitive functions. But now people have been aware about its more health related benefits and hence, preferred for herbal gardens.

This species are believed to relieve stress, reduce anxiety and ease insomnia & sleeping disorders. Lemon balm, when used as a tea improves and strengthen digestive system. It also possesses medicinal properties that cure cold sores and minimizes menstrual cramps.

 

8. Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Salvia officinalis is a staple herb commonly known as common sage or garden sage. This species is also one of the part of mint family. Sage has a strong aromas and earthy flavor. They are considered as best herbal plants to be in your garden due to richness in nutrient and compounds along with its medicinal value.

 

These species are loaded with antioxidant that strengthen immune system, lower risk of cancer and improved brain functions. Common sage was traditionally used to reduce menopause symptoms too. Reducing blood pressure, cholesterol level and protecting against certain cancers are other health benefits of this species.

 

9. Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis)

Pot marigold is one of the most beloved herb belonging to asteraceae family, and commonly known as Calendula. Flowers of calendula are incorporated into topical oils and salves for healing wounds, rashes, burns and dry skin.

 Flowers of this species are used in teas, tinctures, and broths as an antifungal and antibacterial. It is also used to cure gastro-intestinal diseases and peptic ulcers along with other skin related diseases

 

10. Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Purple coneflower is one of the popular ornamental herbs that also has multiple health related benefits. So, amalgamation of beauty and healthy benefits made it a preferable medicinal herb for your home garden

These species are found to improve immunity, maintain blood sugar level, reduce anxiety & inflammation and promote skin health.  It is also used to cure cough and cold as well as to treat bronchitis and upper respiratory infection.

 

11. Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica)

Urtica dioicaalso known as common nettle, nettle leaf or stinger is a perennial flowering herbs belonging to urticaceae family. This species are consumed by drying its leaf followed by cooking. These are rich in minerals, vitamins A and C, calcium, potassium, magnesium and iron.

The leaves and seeds of stinging nettles are used as teas and foods that prevent allergies, treat arthritis and act as a kidney tonic. Beside these, it treats genital disorders such as Enlarged Prostate Symptoms, hay fever, lower blood pressure and aid in sugar level control.

 

12. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Botanists considers dandelion to be the herbs with great medicinal value. Leaves, stem, flowers and root of dandelion are used all over the world for medicinal purpose. This species is being used as a traditional medicine since age-old.

Dandelion contains high level of beta-carotene that are evident to be beneficial for curing eye-defects. Being an overly proven diuretic, this species helps to detoxify the body. It is also used to treat eczema, intestinal problems and arthritis. The leaves of dandelion helps to reduce blood sugar level too. We could easily understand from these benefits regarding why this species is recommended for your home garden.

 

What are your views on this species? Do you feel there are any other peculiar species besides these that should be included in the list of favorable medicinal herbs for your home garden? Please feel free to share your views and knowledge so that it would result in an interesting integrated shared learning approach for all of us. 

Your comments are heartily welcomed and highly appreciated. We “Learn Agro” team are always excited to share our knowledge with all of you. Happy Reading! Keep supporting! Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kiran ghimire

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